ITMI20092253A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMMUNICATION VOICE OVER IP - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention relates to a VoIP (Voice over IP) communication system comprising a telephone set for carrying out a VoIP communication via the Internet network.

The present invention also relates to a VoIP (Voice over IP) communication method comprising a telephone set for carrying out a VoIP communication via the Internet network. Known art

As is known, a VoIP (Voice over IP) communication system comprises a telephone set for transmitting and receiving a VoIP communication, i.e. a voice communication converted into data packets in digital format and routed over the Internet rather than a traditional telephone network. circuit-switched.

In particular, these systems provide that the telephone set is equipped with a common microphone for the acquisition of the voice and a loudspeaker for its reproduction, and connected to a switchboard or a VoIP server equipped with software for encoding / decoding. voice from analog to digital format and vice versa, and for routing data packets over the Internet.

These systems are particularly advantageous, since they also allow the use of a common analog telephone set to carry out a VoIP communication, since the VoIP switchboard or the VoIP server take care of the encoding and decoding of the voice information to and from the telephone set, and of the 'routing of packets on the Internet.

However, these systems are not suitable for home environments, since the purchase and configuration of a VoIP switchboard or a VoIP server are not economically attractive, and generally require the intervention of a specialized technician.

VoIP communication systems are also known which provide for using a personal computer as a telephone set.

In this case, the personal computer is equipped with a microphone and headphones, voice encoding / decoding software, and an Internet connection, such as an ADSL connection.

Such systems are economically advantageous due to the fact that the encoding / decoding and routing software is installed in the personal computer, and consequently, it is not necessary to purchase a VoIP PBX or a VoIP server. Furthermore, if the VoIP communication includes an image associated with a remote interlocutor, the monitor of the personal computer can be used to view this image, and a camera connected to the personal computer can be used to transmit an image of the local interlocutor, integrating effectively an audio component of communication with a video component.

However, even if these VoIP communication systems are economically advantageous and are particularly attractive for the ability to view their interlocutor, they suffer from the lack of immediacy of using the personal computer as a telephone device.

In fact, before being able to make a VoIP communication it is necessary to turn on the personal computer, in some cases waiting several minutes, connect to the Internet and run the encoding / decoding and routing software of the packets, and only at this point dial the call. telephone.

Furthermore, only when the user has completed the operations listed above, it is possible to receive a telephone call.

Finally, the dimensions of the personal computer, considerably larger than those of a cordless or cellular telephone, make it rather inconvenient to use as a telephone set, and its wiring to the power supply network, necessary to satisfy the current demand of the monitor and of the camera, as well as other computer hardware resources, limit its use to a fixed location in a room or house.

The problem underlying the present invention is that of devising a VoIP communication system, in particular for the home environment, which is economically advantageous but also easily configurable for users less accustomed to information technology, as well as actually portable, like a common domestic telephone, in fact, supplanting an analog telephone system without impacting the user's usage habits and overcoming the disadvantages that still limit the known art.

Summary of the invention

The solution idea underlying the present invention is to incorporate a telephone set into a remote control of a television set, substantially expanding the functions of the remote control to carry out a VoIP communication and exploiting the structural and functional simplicity of the remote control. Advantageously, the telephone set integrated in the television remote control is actually portable, light, space-saving, powered by small rechargeable batteries or long-lasting disposable batteries, and is a very familiar object for the home user.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication system comprises a television remote control with integrated telephone set and a set top box arranged both for receiving television broadcasts and for carrying out VoIP communications via the Internet network. In particular, the remote control allows you to select television broadcasts and view them on a television set connected to the set top box, and the integrated telephone device allows you to listen to an incoming voice communication, through a respective loudspeaker, and to acquire the voice from transmit in output, through a microphone, also integrated in the remote control.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the VoIP communication system provides for transmitting a video component in VoIP communication, for example an image associated with an interlocutor, and displaying the image in the television set itself.

The remote control includes a button for switching from a television function, for selecting television broadcasts via a numbered keypad, to a telephone function, for dialing a telephone number to be called via the same keypad or for answering an incoming telephone call via the Internet network.

According to the above solution idea, the technical problem underlying the present invention is solved by a VoIP communication system comprising a telephone set which can be connected to the Internet network to carry out a VoIP communication, characterized in that the telephone set is integrated in a remote control for a television set.

Preferably, the communication system comprises a set top box equipped with: a connection interface to the television set, a dual wireless interface for connection to the remote control and the integrated telephone set, and a network connection interface Internet. First software and / or hardware means of the set top box realize the VoIP communication on the Internet network; and second software and / or hardware means carry out communication with the television set on which to transmit a broadcast. The first and second software and / or hardware means are driven by the dual wireless interface which receives both the commands of the integrated telephone set and the remote control commands, and forwards them to the respective software / hardware means.

According to an aspect of the invention, the set top box is integrated in said television set. According to another aspect, the set top box is connected externally to the television set, via a socket and relative scart case or similar electrical connections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the VoIP communication comprises an image, for example the image of a remote interlocutor, which is displayed by the first software and / or hardware means in the television set. A wide focal range camera is provided for the acquisition of an image to be transmitted in VoIP communication, for example the image of a local interlocutor. The camera is integrated in said set top box or in the television set, preferably remotely controlled by the remote control and adjustable.

The invention provides for the management of image interference resulting from the execution of a VoIP communication with a video component, while viewing a television broadcast.

According to an aspect of the invention, the second software and / or hardware means receive a television transmission interrupt signal from the first software and / or hardware means when the image is displayed in the television set, and store the interrupted television transmission for a its subsequent display in "rime shifting".

According to another aspect, the first software and / or hardware means display the image in a first portion of the television set, and transmit a signal to the second software and / or hardware means for viewing the television broadcast in a second portion of the monitor. , small in size. The first software and / or hardware means separate, in the VoIP communication, an incoming audio component and an incoming video component and transmit said audio component to a loudspeaker integrated in the remote control and the video component to the first portion of the television set.

The first software / hardware means comprise a function for enlarging the image acquired by the wide focal range camera and a function for selecting a portion of the image to be transmitted in the VoIP communication.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the communication system comprises a remote control with an integrated telephone set and a set top box designed both to receive television broadcasts in digital or analog format, and to carry out VoIP communications via the Internet.

According to this embodiment, the set top box also comprises the tuning means of a television set and is connected to a monitor which is only responsible for the audio and video reproduction function, for example to a flat screen of the commonly used type. used for personal computers.

In this case, the remote control allows you to control the set top box, selecting the television broadcasts to be displayed on the monitor connected to it, and the integrated telephone device allows you to listen to an incoming voice communication, through a respective loudspeaker, and to acquire the voice to be transmitted in output, through a microphone, also integrated in the remote control.

Advantageously, according to this embodiment, also the hardware and / or software means for tuning or for receiving television broadcasts are incorporated in the set top box and the monitor is an apparatus exclusively for the audio / video reproduction of the broadcasts and / or the VoIP communications.

Advantageously, the communication system according to the present invention groups the telephone functions of a portable telephone set with the television functions of a remote control for a television set, using the remote control keypad as a numeric keypad for dialing or receiving a communication-based telephone call. VoIP, simplifying and significantly speeding up the operations necessary to establish such communication, even for those less accustomed to information technology.

Advantageously, the communication system makes it possible to exploit a common television set to display a video component of the incoming VoIP communication and manages potential interference between the incoming video component and the television transmission.

In addition, the system incorporates a camera for capturing an image and for selecting a specific position of that image to be transmitted as an output video component with VoIP communication.

The aforementioned technical problem is also solved by a VoIP (Voice over IP) communication method comprising the step of making a VoIP communication with a telephone set via the Internet, characterized by integrating the telephone set into a remote control of a television set. Further advantages and characteristics of the VoIP communication system and method according to the present invention will become evident from a description given below by way of non-limiting example only.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached figures, a VoIP communication system according to the present invention is schematically represented and indicated with 10, comprising a telephone set 1 for carrying out a VoIP communication via the Internet network.

The telephone set 1 is integrated in a remote control 2 of a television set, equipped with a keypad 2a comprising alphanumeric keys 0-9 for selecting television broadcasts, as well as common keys for turning the television set on / off, increase / decrease volume, color adjustment, etc, not represented as conventional.

The keypad 2a comprises a switching button "tv / tei", to selectively activate television functions of the remote control 2 or telephone functions of the integrated telephone set 1, the latter comprising the activation of an outgoing VoIP communication, the acceptance of a incoming VoIP communication, the interruption of a VoIP communication in progress, by selecting the respective activation or acceptance buttons OK of the keypad 2a or KO interruption, as well as other telephone functions, such as the suspension of a telephone call in progress, possibly associated with different keypad buttons 2a.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the remote control 2 comprises a secondary keypad, for example a "qwerty" keypad, which can be slidably extracted from a seat for the remote control 2, preferably retractable, or which can be opened as a door, and comprises alphanumeric buttons for the activation of outgoing or incoming VoIP communication, to interrupt the VoIP communication in progress but also to send SMS or make “chat” communications. In this case, a first button to switch “tv / tei” from the television function to the telephone function is incorporated in the secondary keypad while a second button to switch “tv / tei” from the telephone function to the television function is incorporated in the keypad 2a. Preferably, the first switching button operates means for opening the secondary keypad and the second switching button actuates means for closing the secondary keypad. The technical characteristics of the following description can be associated with a remote control equipped with a single keypad 2a or also equipped with a second keypad.

In particular, the integrated telephone set 1 comprises a microphone 1a for acquiring a voice signal to be transmitted, a loudspeaker 1b for reproducing a received voice signal, and a wireless interface 1a, for example a network card, also incorporated in the remote control 2 yardware and powered by one or more rechargeable or disposable long-life batteries which also power the remote control 2 and the integrated telephone set 1. In particular, the wireless interface is, for example, an interface ZigBee requires a small low-power antenna, preferably based on an IEEE 802.15.4 standard for the so-called “wireless personal area networks” (WPAN), or a wifi, bluetooth or similar interface.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the wireless interface le of the remote control 2 is in bidirectional communication with a wireless router 8, receiving an input data line 8a for accessing the Internet network and installed in a house of the user in a per se known manner. The integrated telephone set 1 comprises means for encoding / decoding the voice from analog to digital format, and vice versa, and for routing data packets in digital format over the Internet, for example a stored encoding / decoding software in a microprocessor of the integrated telephone set 1.

In particular, if the "tv / tei" switch button is set for the television function, the user can select television broadcasts by holding the remote control 2 and adjust the television set while, if the switch button is set to the telephone function, the user can carry out a VoIP communication, holding the remote control 2, dialing a telephone number using the keypad 2a or selecting the OK button of an incoming VoIP communication, and placing the loudspeaker lb to the ear and the microphone to the mouth.

In particular, when the wireless router 8 receives an incoming VoIP communication, it sends a signal to the integrated telephone device 1 which emits an audible notification of receiving a call through the loudspeaker. It is envisaged that the switching from television function to telephone function can be carried out manually, through the "tv / tei" switch button or automatically, when the encoding / decoding software of the telephone set 1 receives via the Internet network and the wireless router 8 an incoming VoIP communication. Automatic switching is active even if the television set is off, in which case it is still possible to receive a VoIP communication.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the software for encoding / decoding the voice from analog to digital format, and vice versa, and for rerouting data packets on the Internet network is comprised in a microprocessor of a set top box 3 , the latter being equipped with a connection interface 3c to a television set 4, a dual wireless interface 3a for connection to the remote control 2 and to the integrated telephone set 1, and a connection interface 3b to the Internet network .

In particular, according to this embodiment, the dual interface 3a embodies the double television and telephone function of the remote control 1, i.e. receiving commands for selecting television broadcasts and for adjusting the television from the remote control 2, when the switching button "tv / tei" selects the television function, and commands to activate or deactivate the VoIP communication, when the switching button "tv / tei ”selects the telephone function.

Even more particularly, the set top box 3 comprises first software and / or hardware means 30 which carry out the VoIP communication on the Internet network, controlled by the integrated telephone device 1, and second software and / or hardware means 31 which transmit a transmission to the television set 4, said second means being controlled by the remote control 2. The dual interface 3a receives both the commands from the remote control 2 and the commands from the telephone set 1 and forwards these commands, respectively, to the second software / hardware means or to the first software / hardware means that perform the respective television or telephone functions.

The first software / hardware means of the set top box 3 comprise a wireless interface 30, for example a network card 30, which carries out a bidirectional communication with the network card le of the telephone set 1, which receives from the keypad 2a i commands for activating an outgoing VoIP communication, for example a telephone number followed by an OK command to activate the call, and sends these activation commands to the network card 30 of the set top box 3. The encoding / decoding and routing software of the set top box 3 processes the activation commands and carries out a VoIP communication with an electronic device responding to the selected telephone number.

Also in this case it is envisaged that the switching from the television function to the telephone function can be performed automatically, when the encoding / decoding and routing software of the set top box 3 receives an incoming VoIP communication via the Internet network.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the set top box 3 is integrated in the television set 4 which is equipped, not only with the connection to the power supply network and to the digital terrestrial antenna, or to a parabolic antenna, but also with the connection to the Internet. Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, since the television set 4 is always wired to the power supply network and its switching on, including the execution of the encoding / decoding and routing software, takes only a few seconds, it is almost instantaneously VoIP communication is possible via the integrated telephone set 1. Furthermore, the integrated telephone set 1, being light, portable and equipped with integrated microphone la and loudspeaker lb, can be used in any room of a home, without interruption of communication with the dual wireless interface 3a of the set top box 3 and therefore without interruption of the VoIP communication.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first software and / or hardware means 30 of the set top box 3 display in the television set 4 an image 5 associated with a remote interlocutor of the VoIP communication, this image being detected by a camera installed in the home of that remote party and received as a video component in the incoming VoIP communication.

In particular, a camera 6 is also integrated in the set top box 3 or in the television set 4 of the VoIP communication system, so that it is also possible to detect an image of the local interlocutor, and transmit it as a video component in the VoIP communication in exit from the set top box 3.

Preferably, the camera 6 has a wide focal range and acquires an image 5 of a space facing the set top box or the television set 4, for example the space comprising a sofa located in front of the television set and on which the VoIP communication user is seated, but also the space comprising an armchair, a chair or a table located within a predetermined angular width with respect to an installation axis of the camera 6, where said user can alternatively be accommodated.

In a preferred embodiment, the camera 6 is not fixed but is rotatably mounted with respect to the installation axis and rotated by means of the remote control 2, to detect different portions of the room within which the set top box 3 and the appliance 4 are installed, possibly also a space behind the television set 4 or the set top box 3.

Even more particularly, the first software / hardware means comprise a magnification function of the image 5 acquired by the wide focal range camera 6 and a function for selecting a portion of the magnified image to be transmitted in VoIP communication. Advantageously, the user of the VoIP communication system according to the present invention is not limited to remaining fixed in front of the camera 6 since the enlargement function allows to enlarge a specific portion of the wide acquired image and the selection function allows to transmit in the VoIP communication only that specific portion of the image, for example the body image of the interlocutor or only his / her face.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the set top box 3 is not integrated into the television set 4 but connected externally to it in a per se known way, i.e. by means of a socket and a relative scart cable or similar wiring, known per se. Advantageously, the externally connected set top box allows you to use any television set 4 equipped with a standard connection socket, such as the scart socket, to carry out a VoIP communication and to view an image of the remote interlocutor.

According to an aspect of the communication system according to the present invention, it is envisaged to manage the potential interference on the television set 4 generated by the simultaneous reception of a video component of the VoIP communication, i.e. the image of the remote interlocutor, and of a television broadcast.

In particular, the second software and / or hardware means 31 receive an interruption signal of the television transmission from the first software and / or hardware means 30 when an image 5 of the VoIP communication is displayed in the television set 4. Preferably, the second means software and / or hardware 31 further comprise means for storing the interrupted television transmission and means for "time shifting" reproduction of the transmission. Advantageously, the user of the television broadcast carries out the telephone conversation, displaying his interlocutor, and at the end of the conversation he can resume viewing the television broadcast, from the point of interruption.

According to this aspect of the invention, the remote control 2 provides a hands-free function which directs the audio component of the VoIP communication to a loudspeaker incorporated in the set top box 3 or in the television set 4, instead of to the loudspeaker 1b of the integrated telephone set. 1. Advantageously, in the hands-free mode, several people can use the audio and video components of the VoIP communication.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first software and / or hardware means 30 displays the image in a first portion 5 of a monitor of the television set 4 and transmits a signal to the second software and / or hardware means 31 which display the television transmission in a second portion 5a of the monitor, of reduced dimensions. In this case, the first software and / or hardware means 30 separate, in the VoIP communication, the incoming audio component and the incoming video component, and transmit the audio component to the loudspeaker 1b integrated in the remote control 2 and the video component to the first. portion 5a of the monitor, to avoid interference between the audio emitted by the loudspeaker of the television set and associated with the television transmission and the audio component of the VoIP communication. The TV is equipped with a PIP (picture in picture) function that displays the image of the second portion 5a within the first portion 5 of the monitor.

In particular, to alert a user of the reception of an incoming VoIP communication, the set top box 3 displays an icon or a call reception message in the second portion 5a of the television set. Alternatively or in addition to the icon or the reception message, the set top box 3 can send a signal to the integrated telephone set 1 which emits an audible notification of receiving a call through the loudspeaker.

The present invention also refers to a VoIP communication method implemented through the system described above. In particular, the method comprises the step of carrying out a VoIP communication with a telephone set 1, via the Internet network and of integrating the telephone set 1 in a remote control 2 of a television set 4.

The method comprises the step of preparing a set top box 3 equipped with a connection interface 3c to the television set 4, a dual wireless interface 3a for connection to the remote control 2 and to the integrated telephone set 1 and an interface 3b connection to the Internet. The set top box 3 receives a VoIP communication via the Internet network and displays a video component of this communication in the television set 4, in the manner described with reference to the relative VoIP communication system. Advantageously, the communication system and method according to the present invention can be used to carry out VoIP communications with users of different VoIP communication systems, for example Skype®, Fring® or Messanger® systems.

Advantageously, the communication system and method according to the present invention group the telephone functions of a portable telephone set with the television functions of a remote control for a television set, using the remote control keypad as a numeric keypad for dialing or receiving a telephone call. based on VoIP communication, simplifying and significantly speeding up the operations necessary to establish such communication, even for those less accustomed to information technology.

Advantageously, the communication system and method make it possible to exploit a common television set to display a video component of the incoming VoIP communication and manage potential interference between the incoming video component and the television transmission.

In addition, the system incorporates a camera for capturing an image and for selecting a specific position of that image to be transmitted as an output video component with VoIP communication. Advantageously, the VoIP communication user is not bound to a fixed position in front of the television set or set top box because the camera has a wide focal range and allows the acquisition of a large space facing the television set and is also mobile to acquire also the images related to a space behind it.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS 1. VoIP (Voice over IP) communication system comprising a telephone set (1) for carrying out a VoIP communication via the Internet network, characterized in that said telephone set (1) is integrated in a remote control (2) of a television set (4). 2. Communication system according to claim 1 characterized by the fact of comprising a set top box (3) equipped with: a connection interface (3c) to said television set (4); - a dual wireless interface (3a) for connection to said remote control (2) and to said integrated telephone set (1); - a connection interface (3b) to said Internet network. 3. Communication system according to claim 2 characterized in that said set top box (3) further comprises: - first software and / or hardware means (30) which realize said VoIP communication on said Internet network; second software and / or hardware means (31) for transmitting a television transmission to said television set (4), said first and second software and / or hardware means (30, 31) being controlled, respectively, by said telephone set (1 ) integrated and by said remote control (2) through said dual wireless interface (3a). 4. Communication system according to claim 3 characterized in that said set top box (3) is integrated in said television set (4). 5. Communication system according to claim 3 characterized in that said set top box (3) is connected to said television set (4). Communication system according to one of claims 3-5 characterized in that said VoIP communication comprises an image (5) and in that said first software and / or hardware means (30) display said image (5) in a monitor of said television set (4). 7. Communication system according to claim 6 characterized by the fact of comprising a camera (6) with a wide focal range for the acquisition of said image (5) to be transmitted in said VoIP communication. 8. Communication system according to claim 7 characterized in that said video camera (6) is integrated in said set top box (3) or in said television set (4). 9. Communication system according to claim 6 characterized in that said second software and / or hardware means (31) receive a television transmission interruption signal from said first software and / or hardware means (30) when said image (5) is displayed in said monitor. 10. Communication system according to claim 9 characterized in that said second software and / or hardware means (31) comprise means for storing said interrupted television transmission and means for "rime shifting" reproduction of said interrupted television transmission. 11. Communication system according to claim 6 characterized in that said first software and / or hardware means (30) display said image in a first portion (5) of said monitor and transmit a signal to said second software and / or hardware means (31) for viewing said television broadcast in a second portion (5a) of said monitor. 12. Communication system according to claim 11 characterized in that said first software and / or hardware means (30) separate, in said VoIP communication, an incoming audio component and an incoming video component and transmit said audio component to a loudspeaker (a) integrated in said remote control (2) and said video component to said first monitor portion (5a). 13. Communication system according to claim 7 characterized in that said first software / hardware means comprise a function for enlarging said image acquired by said wide focal range camera (6) and a function for selecting a portion of said image to be transmit in said VoIP communication. 14. VoIP (Voice over IP) communication method comprising the step of making a VoIP communication with a telephone set (1) via the Internet network, characterized by integrating the telephone set (1) into a remote control 2) of a television set (4).